The Broncos are 3-7 and have very minimal playoff chances but there is still a lot to play for the rest of the season and hopefully, this team can go into the offseason with some momentum. Here are some things I want to see happen:
- Establish an Identity on Offense:
The Broncos over the next 7 games need to figure out what kind of offense they want to be. Whether it is a run-first offense or an air-it-out type offense they need to decide on one side and stick to it vs the Panthers this Sunday. Out of all the issues the Broncos have had on offense this season, I feel like the biggest issue has been indecision. At times, the Broncos would abandon the run when it was working and other times they would try to force the run game to work when the passing game is being somewhat effective at the time. That is probably Hackett's biggest flaw. Lack of conviction. This is not just speculation as he confirmed it himself in a press conference earlier in the season. He was asked whether there was any second-guessing with the play-calling to which he responded "I second guess everything I call because I want it to be the best for the players". This is not something you want to hear from your Head Coach. I admire his wanting to make sure he puts his players in the best situation but some things just should not be said because it shows a lack of confidence and as an HC this shows weakness as a leader. So first things first, establish an identity.
-Finish With Winning Record Over Final 7 Games:
The Broncos have 7games left on the season and are set to face the toughest part of their schedule. They have KC(2x), LAC, LAR, Arizona, Baltimore, and Carolina next week. The Carolina game seems to be the only "easy game" but when you are a 3-7 team there is no such thing as an easy game. It would do a lot for this team's confidence to finish 4-3 or better against the harder part of the schedule. It is paramount, I mean paramount, that the Broncos get one win vs the Chiefs. The Broncos absolutely cannot enter the 2023 season with a 15-game losing streak vs KC and a 6-game losing streak vs LV. Getting a win vs KC would be a nice way to help heal the pain from this disappointing season.
Can Russ Still Cook:
This is probably the most important question of them all. Going into next season with momentum is only going to matter if Russ is still a top 10-15 QB. Physically, he looks fine as his arms strength and escapability still look vintage at times. However, he has shown some decline in the mental aspect of the game whether it is seeing open receivers or countering a blitz. Hopefully, the struggles can be chalked up to the scheme by Hackett not being a fit for Russ's abilities. On the season he has 7 TDs and 5 INTs. Not good at all but it is not too late to show Bronco faithful that he still got it.
Prediction:
Russ just had his most efficient game as a Bronco and the offense did do some good things with Kubiak Calling the Shots. I expect the defense to bounce back after a down performance this last week. I got Denver getting back ain the win column beating Carolina 23-13.
Russ: 240 yards and 2 TDs
Defense: 4 Sacks and 2 turnovers
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